Ossified ligamentum flavum of the atlantoaxial region

A 30-year-old male presented complaining of a six-month history of progressive weakness and paraesthesia in all four limbs. Symptoms occurred following moderately severe neck trauma. Investigations revealed ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) between the atlas and axis, with marked cord compression. The patient showed remarkable neurological recovery following excision of the OLF. OLF causing cord compression is rare and has never been reported in the atlantoaxial region.